Bolshevik Rise by Sebastian Farnham

Bolshevik Rise explores the fascinating and complex history of the Bolsheviks, detailing how they transformed Tsarist Russia into the Soviet Union, the world's first communist state. This political history examines their calculated exploitation of social and economic divisions, adaptation of Marxism, and the ruthless consolidation of power. The book argues that their success wasn't solely due to revolutionary fervor but also strategic maneuvering. Intriguingly, the Bolsheviks initially comprised a marginalized faction, yet they managed to seize control amidst the chaos of World War I and internal strife.

The book provides a comprehensive analysis, beginning with pre-revolutionary Russia and the conditions that fueled discontent. It dissects the Bolsheviks' core ideological tenets, including Lenin's adaptations of Marxist theory. Progressing chronologically, it analyzes the pivotal events of 1917, the Russian Civil War, War Communism, and the transition to the New Economic Policy (NEP). The book draws upon primary and secondary sources, offering a nuanced approach to Bolshevik ideology and presenting a balanced assessment of their achievements and failures, making it valuable for anyone interested in understanding 20th-century political history and the lasting impact of communism.